Mercedes Powers-Glenn has been the 4-H Horse Judging Coach for 4 years. She chose to volunteer in this role because of her own passion for horse judging, which she enjoys sharing with kids.
She admits it’s hard to count the hours she spends in this volunteer role, especially when preparing for national contests, which she and her team have been doing since September.
In October, Mercedes took our first Hippology Team to compete in the US Arabian National 4-H Hippology Contest in Tulsa, OK. The team of Kylie Carson, Cora Frederick, Jesse Garson and Dally Wilkins placed 5th in this first-annual national event which tests the knowledge of all things horse – from judging, equipment, body parts, nutrition and so much more.
We did not spend much time celebrating their success in Tulsa because as soon as they returned from Tulsa, this team began preparing for a national Horse Judging contest with teammate, Kendall Haas.
Mercedes and her husband, Joshua, have one daughter, McKenna. McKenna attended the National Western Round-Up Horse Judging contest at just 2 weeks old. Outside of her 4-H Horse Judging role, she enjoys horses, skiing, Jeeping and being with her family. Mercedes also enjoys teaching kids to ski in the winter.
One Place Mercedes Would like to Visit: Europe
Favorite Quote: Live like someone left the gate open
Favorite TV Show: Gilmore Girls
What They’re Saying… Mercedes has left a HUGE impact on my life. Because of all the extra work she has put in, I have had the opportunity to travel to numerous different states to compete nationally. I saw my first Arabian horse, saw the sea for the first time and had so many opportunities I would not have otherwise. I was already doing a lot in 4-H but I think that starting horse judging helped to open my eyes to new opportunities that I had been missing before. I have gained confidence in my speaking abilities and grown in my knowledge as a horsewoman.
–Kylie Carson
Local Horse Judgers Earn National Reserve Champion Title
In January, the Horse Judging team of Kylie Carson, Cora Frederick, Kendall Haas and Dally Wilkins earned Reserve Champion in the Western National 4-H Round-Up Horse Judging Contest held during the National Western Stock Show in Denver.
Goshen County’s own competed against 14 states in judging ten classes and delivering four sets of oral reasons. Classes included four halter classes, including Clydesdale Geldings, 
and five performance classes including Ranch Riding, Western Pleasure, Reining, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation.
Contestants then provided well-articulated defences for their placement of four different classes. Known as oral reasons, youth need to organize their thoughts and speak publicly in a structured environment.
Individual scores from all classes and reasons are totaled to determine team scores. Participants are eligible for individual awards and team recognition.
Halter Judging: Cora Frederick: 6th; Dally Wilkins: 8th; Kendall Haas: 10th Overall As a team, Wyoming placed 2nd Overall.
Performance Judging: Cora Frederick: 2nd; Kendall Haas: 3rd Overall. As a team, we earned 2nd Overall.
Oral Reasons: Cora Frederick: 1st and Kendall Haas: 3rd Overall. This was enough to place us Champion Reasons Team.
Combining these divisions saw Cora Frederick earn 2nd High Individual and Kendall 5th High Individual. With scores such as these, Wyoming was just 3 points outside of the Champion Title and earned Reserve Champion.
